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Our Review

Zoom out. What’s the big picture here?The Farm Cooking School occupies a charming farmhouse on the Roots to River Farm, just a ten-minute drive along the river from Lambertville. The vibe is country-chic—think handmade farm tables and pastoral views—but the kitchen is fit for a professional. Classes are arranged around a theme (holidays, baking, Mexican cuisine) and often sell out in advance. Monthly farm dinners let you leave the cooking to Ian or Shelley, who run the place, while you hobnob with locals at communal handmade farm tables.

That sounds fun. Who else are we likely to see around the table?.Though Ian and Shelley are former Gourmet magazine editors who know their way around a kitchen, they're completely approachable, as is their take on cooking—their classes are perfect for everyone, from neophytes to gourmet home cooks.

How democratic! Can you tell us a little more?Again, these two know their stuff. They’ve written multiple cookbooks, and Ian used to host a cooking show on PBS. Still, they’re both friendly and laid back, which lends a “cooking with friends” vibe to the classes.

Perfect. What did you like best about their approach?Unlike some classes where you’ll use restaurant-style equipment to follow recipes you’d likely never make at home, Ian and Shelley's classes are based in reality. They sprinkle helpful tips throughout, in which you’ll learn to master elevated comfort food—and have fun while doing it.

We love it. So: money, time—how can we make the most of both?These intimate classes are interactive and perfect for groups of friends and couples who want to get their hands dirty. If you’d rather sit back and nibble, reserve a space at one of their monthly farm dinners instead.